This tumblr is dedicated to art and archaeology by showcasing artifacts that, in my opinion, are of high artistic quality, creativity, craftsmanship and cultural value. All photography here is done by me. Objects and most info is from the Metropolitan Museum of Art unless otherwise noted.
Ceremonial Sword
Yataghan from the court of Suleyman the Magnificent
Workshop of Ahmed Tekelü (Iranian (?), active in Istanbul, ca. 1520–1530)
ca. 1525
Turkish (Istanbul)
Steel, walrus ivory, gold, silver, rubies, turquoise,and pearls
Exquisite workmanship and lavish use of precious materials distinguish this sword as a princely weapon and exemplifies the opulence and refinement of Ottoman luxury arts. Almost identical to a yatagan (now in the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul) made in 1526–27 by the court jeweler Ahmed Tekel, for the Ottoman sultan Süleyman the Magnificent (r. 1520–66), this sword was undoubtedly made in the same imperial workshop. The gold incrustation on the blade depicts a combat between a dragon and a phoenix against a background of foliate scrolls. These figures, like the gold-inlaid cloud bands and foliate scrolls on the ivory grips, are Chinese in inspiration, and were probably introduced into Ottoman art through contacts with Persia.
This sword is one of the earliest known yatagans, distinctly Turkish weapons characterized by a double-curved blade and a hilt without a guard. Yatagans were commonplace in Turkey and the Balkans in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and served as sidearms for the elite troops known as janissaries.
Photo by Brass Ivy Design, object and info from the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Sorry its been so long my loyal followers! Please accept this beautiful ceremonial sword as an apology. I just made another visit to the Metropolitan Museum, so I have all new content for this tumblr coming soon. Keep watching!
